PRONOUNS

PRONOUN, the part of speech which is used to substitute a noun, can be classified into:

I. Personal Pronouns – used in place of the person speaking (I, me, we, us) and in the place of
the person spoken to (you), and in place of the person spoken of (he, him, she, her, they, them) ,
have three forms.
Person Nominative Objective Case Possessive Case
Case
Singular
First I me my, mine
Second you you your, yours
Third he, she, it him, her, it his, her, its / his, hers, its
Plural
First we us our, ours
Second you you your, yours
Third they them their, theirs

1. The nominative case pronouns are used as the subject or subjective complement of the
sentence.
2. The objective case pronouns are used as the object of the verb, indirect object, or object of
the preposition.
3. The possessive case pronouns are used to denote ownership. Do not use an apostrophe with
the personal pronouns.
e.g. He shot carelessly. (subject)
It was he who drew the poster. (subjective complement)
The owner rewarded him. (object of the verb–rewarded)
They bought the ticket for him. (object of the preposition for)
My brother sent me a typewriter. (indirect object – to whom the
typewriter was sent)
Note: A pronoun (or noun) which follows than or as can be in the nominative or the objective
case, depending upon its use. When the rest of the clause has been left out, the clause must
be reproduced in order to determine the correct use of the pronoun or noun.

e.g. He knows her as well as I (know her).

He knows her as well as (he knows) me.
He runs faster than I (run).
He sang to her more than I (sang to her).
He sang to her more than (he sang to me) me.

II. An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that does not define or stand for a particular person or
thing. Some common indefinite pronouns are all, each, every, either, one, everyone, several,
some, other, another, both, none, many. Indefinite pronouns are often used as adjectives.

e.g. Several spectators jumped for the foul balls, but few were able to catch them.
Each player watched the spectators scramble.
Singular – used with singular possessive pronouns his, her, its

another each everything somebody

anybody one everybody someone
anyone either everyone nobody
anything neither no one much/little

Plural – used with the plural possessive their, theirs

 both few many several
Both singular or plural depending on the meaning
all
none plural – how many
some
most singular – how much
any

e.g. All of the water has chemicals in it.

All of the drivers loaded their trucks.
None of the medicine has lost its strength.
None of these comedians use their own material.
Some of the fire burned itself out.
Some of the workers took their breaks.

Note: each other – refers to two persons

one another – refers to more than two persons

III. Relative pronouns relate or refer to nouns or other pronouns in the sentence. The relative
pronouns are who, whom, which, what, and that.

Note: who (nominative), whose, (possessive), whom (objective) – refer to persons

which – refers to animals and things
that – refers to animals, things, and occasionally to persons
what – refers to things only and means that which

e.g. The tenor, whose voice we often hear, is my friend.

The house, which my father built, was destroyed during a storm.
We have not yet received the book that you wanted.
The vain little brat got just what he wanted.

Sentence Drills:
1. The man who loves his money too much will never be happy.
2. Has she found what she was looking for?
3. It is your help that I need.
4. Herbert is bringing his cousin whom he met last year.
5. At last they found the jar which was concealed behind the door.
6. The woman whose diamond ring was stolen burst into hysterics.
7. Always try to do what is right.
8. The outlaws abandoned the first help which was offered.
9. The man whom I thought to be his brother is his son.
10. We recommend only persons that we know.

IV. Demonstrative pronouns are used to point out, to designate, or to demonstrate the
antecedent to which they refer. The singular demonstrative pronouns are this and that. The
plural demonstrative pronouns are these and those.

e.g. This is my beagle, and he is an intelligent dog.

Is that a condition of the shows?
These prizes were given for the best performing tricks.
Those mangoes clinging on the branches are mouth-watering.

V. The Interrogative pronouns are used in asking questions. They are who (nominative), whom
(objective), which (referring to persons or things and tell one object from another), and what
(referring to things).
e.g. Who wouldn’t enjoy a cruise around the world?
Whom do you call for reservations?
What can you save from your salary?
Which is safer --- airplane or train?
What are the disadvantages of jet travel?

VI. reflexive pronouns are pronouns which point back to a noun or another pronoun used in the
earlier part of the entrance. Reflexive pronouns are myself, ourselves, yourself, yourselves,
himself, herself, itself, and themselves.

e.g. I, myself, have witnessed her sterling performance.

We better look at ourselves first before we condemn others.
Before you love fully another person you have to love unconditionally yourself.
Brace yourselves for more exciting numbers ahead of you.
Raynan gave himself a present on his birthday.
KC congratulated herself for a job well done.
The dog saved itself from the stabs of the robber by snatching the dagger out of the
burglar’s attacking hand.
The children contained themselves when the visitor’s came into the room.

AGREEMENT OF PRONOUN WITH ANTECEDENT

A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in person, number (singular or plural), and
gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter sex). The antecedent is the word which the pronoun
stands. If the antecedent is singular, a singular form of the pronoun is used. If the antecedent is
plural, a plural form of the pronoun is used.
e.g. Juan lives with his wife and children in Liboton.
He lives with them in Liboton.
One of the politicians forgot his speech.

Sentence Drills:
1. Every passenger has friends to bid him or her good-bye.
2. It is the duty of every student to attend every class that he can.
3. These twine bags are said to be easy to make, but I have no idea how Ilocanos make them.
4. She is so kind that her friends turn to her when they need help.
5. College students have many problems; they do not have those problems in high school.
6. If one will take the trouble to get up early enough to see the dawn, he will find the
experience rewarding.
7. Women may be said to have gained much by obtaining the right to have a career, but they
have also lost certain privileges enjoyed by their grandmothers.
8. Although Nestor was angry, he at once approached his friends.
9. Helen said she would make him sandwiches for you.
10. Someone was moving stealthily about the room; it was a burglar.

Name: ________________________________________ Date: _________

Course: _________________ Score: ________
 ACTIVITY 1

Choose the correct word in the parentheses.

1. Every man in the audience seemed to be sitting on (their, his) hands.

2. He is the kind of person who (like, likes) to sleep better than to eat.
3. Every boy looked out of the corner of (his, their) eyes and leered.
4. I met the man (who, which) sold the car.
5. We have received a copy of the report (who, that) you sent us.
6. The conceited young lady got (which, what) she deserved.
7. The soprano, (whose, which) fame is world-wide, will perform in a benefit show tonight.
8. I should imagine that Roberto must have lost (his, her) nerve.
9. Pedro was counseled to do (which, what) was reasonable.
10. I doubt if Amor would toss away (his, her) last earthly centavo without thinking twice.
11. Everyone grabbed (his, their) books and ran out of the classroom
12. Many women have attained success in their professions but men still belittle (them, her).
13. The people (which, whose) homes were destroyed were housed in public buildings.
14. If everyone will take the trouble to read carefully, (he, they) will not misinterpret the printed
page.
15. She is a person (who, which) I think likes to tell exaggerated stories.

ACTIVITY 2

I. Complete each of the following sentences by writing in the blank provided before each item the
correct pronoun in the parentheses.

_______ 1. Balagtas, (who, whom) I read, began this style of writing.

_______ 2. He wrote the Florante at Laura, (who, which) we read in class.
_______ 3. (Him, His) reading Juan Tamad aloud was fun.
_______ 4. Either he or she will replace (them, these) copies.
_______ 5. Several of the critics say Rizal’s El Filibusterismo is (his, their) favorite.
_______ 6. Some of the characters are fascinating for (its, their) patriotic value.
_______ 7. (Who, Whom) did you hear read the stories?
_______ 8. Because of (his, him) writing this legend, we know the unusual stories.
_______ 9. Mr. Cea, (who, which), I believe, was on the stage likes to recite stories.
_______ 10. Anybody who wishes may read (his, their) favorite story in class.

II. Follow procedure given for I.

_______ 1. (We, Us) fellows know that short stories are interesting.
_______ 2. Lucia and Francisca are going to buy a book from (these, them) sales men.
_______ 3. Romulo, (who, whom) we know as a diplomat, wrote books, too.
_______ 4. David Swan and The Great Stone Face are noted for (its, their) moralistic views.
_______ 5. We boys like to thumb over a story (which, what) is short and interesting.
_______ 6. One of the bookkeepers puts forth (his, their) best efforts.
_______ 7. Even you three, (who, whom), I think, call me your friend, have deserted me.
_______ 8. (Who, Whom) in this room has a speech prepared?
_______ 9. It is he, (who, whom) you heard yesterday, who will speak at the luncheon.
_______ 10. It is (I, me, myself) from whom he wants to hear the apology.
_______ 11. It can go to her or (whoever, whomever) wants it.
_______ 12. It can go to her or (whoever, whomever) you want to have it.
_______ 13. You will get your pay check from (whoever, whomever) is at the window.
_______ 14. It is a wise secretary (who, whom) learns to do things on her own.
_______ 15. Reyes (who, whom) is supervisor must make many decisions.
 ACTIVITY 3

I. Underline the correct pronoun in the parentheses.

1. Sweet, Dorman and (myself, I) have gone to the site of the Cagsawa Ruins.
2. The children discovered that the ghost was (me, I).
3. It was (them, they) who signed the letter.
4. Both of us – Michelle and (me, I) – got the credit.
5. You are as bright as (she, her).
6. Our parents love my brother and (me, I).
7. The man (who, whom) lied finally confessed.
8. The woman of (who, whom) he was married was adorable.
9. They disapproved of (me, my) going steady.
10. The teacher asked (whomever, whoever) did it to raise his hand.
11. A new TV set was sent to Sheryl and (I, myself, me).
12. Miss Emily, during her younger years, was always seen with (his, her) father.
13. Every girl should be taught proper housekeeping to prepare (you, her) for marriage.
14. We must keep in mind that good things come in subtle way so that (they, we) will not be
dismayed at how things are going today.
15. Sherlock Holmes saw that it was (he, him) who got Silver Graze.

II. Fill the blanks with the correct pronouns.

1. Most of the teachers have faith in _______ students.

2. Parents are generally concerned about the education of _______ children.
3. Anyone who believes _______ neighbor to be dishonest has a low opinion of others.
4. Everyone cherishes _______ dignity as a human being.
5. There are students in the chapel. Some of _______ are praying.
6. Mel and jay are deeply religious. Both believed that _______ gain nothing acquiring riches.
7. An old person should be given respect due to _______.
8. The books _______ I reserved are available.
9. The person _______ tries hard succeeds.
10. We all make mistakes, but _______ should try not to make the same mistake.
11. My sister and I _______ have experienced what psychologists called as sibling rivalry.
12. Computers have made life easier for us because _______ save us time and effort.
13. Madonna made the petition latter _______.
14. We all need a long rest after _______ tiring activities yesterday.

III. Some of the sentences below may contain error in their use of pronouns. On the blank
provided before each number, write C if the sentence is correct, otherwise, underline the
incorrect pronoun and supply the right one.

_______ 1. They accused Diane and I as the culprits of this chaos.

_______ 2. You just have to motivate us so we would be interested to attend class.
_______ 3. Both you and me will be affected by this grading system.
_______ 4. Janet, my friend in the United States, sends postcards to Maureen and I.
_______ 5. I would go out with whomever invites me.
_______ 6. Ronald, Diane and I hugged each other at the airport.
_______ 7. They are the students which I am really proud of.
_______ 8. Most of the parents reacted when his or her daughters were concerned.
_______ 9. The members theirselves set the club rules.
_______ 10. Tristan’s bestfriends are Chris and he.
IV. Underline the pronouns incorrectly used in the paragraphs and observe consistency in the
number and person of the pronouns by writing the correct pronouns above the erroneous ones.

A. A Russian writer, whether the Tsars or under the Communist regime, has always been

subjected to strict censorship. Since the Bolshevik revolution of 1917, they have been required

to glorify and propagate Marxist-Leninist ideology. While he was not expected to gloss over the

minor imperfections of the regime, she is expected to take a positive and optimistic view of

Communist society; that is, write only about “the true, the good, and the beautiful” in Soviet life.

B. Isolated words, or clauses, or even sentences do not mean much unless it is put together

in coherent discourse. As Winifred Crombie (1985) points out, people communicate by means of

coherent stretches of interrelated clauses and sentences. In her example, if we were to overhear

a woman say, “So I just slapped her face,” we, who missed what he said earlier, would not know

why he slapped somebody’s face, much less who that somebody was. The reason for her violent

action must have been given earlier, and the sentence “So I just slapped her face” is the result of

whatever somebody did to provoke him. And to keep the conversation going the person she’s

talking with would most likely to ask, “What did he do then? Did he slap you back?”